Heart risk in the stadium: Why football games can be dangerous

Heart risk in the stadium: Why football games can be dangerous

At the Union Berlin away game in Stuttgart, there was a dramatic incident when a fan suffered a cardiac arrest during the game and had to be resuscitated. This event raises the question of whether there is actually an increased risk of cardiovascular emergencies at major sporting events. According to Dr. Martin Halle, an expert in this area, is related to the excitement of the audience. The increase in stress hormones and the tension during a game can help overload the heart. Especially undetected high blood pressure patients are particularly at risk in such moments, as on rbb | 24 is.

Need for emergency measures

dr. Halle emphasizes that despite the risks, emergency care in stadiums is often better compared to other public locations. Defibrillators and the quick intervention of medical staff can save lives. Therefore, he advocates more information during the events. In particular, indications of life rescue should be presented on the large screens in order to sensitize everyone present for such emergencies. These prevention measures could be indispensable in the future to ensure the safety of fans.

In the context of these unexpected incidents, it is interesting to consider the role of the community in the stadium. The literary scholar Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht describes in his work "Crowds. The stadium as a ritual of intensity" how major events such as football games create a special connection between the audience that goes beyond individual experience. These collective emotions can be both intense and dangerous because they influence behavior in stressful situations. Gumbrecht argues that the awakening of a "mystical body" in the stadium is an unforgettable experience for the fans, which also emphasizes the need for security and health management, as on Culture is explained.